Pop

Eleanor Rigby Chords

The Beatles Beginner Key of Em 2 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Guitar

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Ukulele

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Piano

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Banjo

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Mandolin

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Harmonica

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · C

Eleanor Rigby Chords – Violin

One of the Beatles’ darkest songs built on just Em and C. A masterclass in how two chords can create deep emotion.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↓↑

12345

Tip: Use quick, sharp strums to match the string quartet feel of the original. Keep it rhythmic and driving.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn Em and C

Just Em and C. The verse stays on Em, the chorus adds C.

2

Keep it tight

Strum with precision — this is not a loose, breezy song. Sharp downstrokes work well.

3

Sing the melody

The vocal melody is what makes this song unforgettable. Practice it separately before combining.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church

C Em

Where a wedding has been, lives in a dream.

Em

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps

C Em

In a jar by the door, who is it for?

Chorus

Em C

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

Em C Em

All the lonely people, where do they all belong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Eleanor Rigby"?

You need 2 beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Eleanor Rigby" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Eleanor Rigby" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Eleanor Rigby"?

It was written by The Beatles.